Diabetes can be described as a lifelong disease. In addition to regularly taking medication to lower blood sugar levels, can cupping therapy help alleviate symptoms? What are the cupping therapy diagrams for diabetes?
Cupping Therapy Diagrams for Diabetes
Lung Shu Point
1. Location:
The Lung Shu point is located on the back, below the spinous process of the 3rd thoracic vertebra, about 1.5 inches to the side. It is the back Shu point of the Lung.
2. Method of application:
The patient should be in a prone position, and the Lung Shu point is located below the spinous process of the third thoracic vertebra, about 1.5 inches to the side of the Governing Vessel.
3. Efficacy:
Dispels heat from the lungs. The Lung Shu point has the functions of releasing the exterior, promoting lung function, clearing heat, regulating lung and nourishing the ying, and replenishing deficiencies caused by excessive heat.
Spleen Shu Point
1. Location:
The Spleen Shu point is located on the back, below the spinous process of the 11th thoracic vertebra, about 1.5 inches to the side of the midline.
2. Method of application:
The patient should be in a prone position, and the Spleen Shu point is located on the back, below the spinous process of the eleventh thoracic vertebra, about 1.5 inches to the side (two finger widths).
3. Efficacy:
Tonifies the spleen and transforms dampness, strengthens the spleen and stomach, and promotes the ascending and clearing of dampness.
San Jiao Shu Point
1. Location:
The San Jiao Shu point is located in the lumbar region, below the spinous process of the 1st lumbar vertebra, about 1.5 inches to the side. It is the back Shu point of the San Jiao.
2. Method of application:
The patient should be in a prone position, and the San Jiao Shu point is located below the spinous process of the first lumbar vertebra, about 1.5 inches to the side of the Governing Vessel.
3. Efficacy:
Dispels heat from the San Jiao organ. The San Jiao Shu point has the functions of regulating the San Jiao, promoting water metabolism, and strengthening the lower back.
Kidney Shu Point
1. Location:
The Kidney Shu point is located in the lumbar region, below the spinous process of the 2nd lumbar vertebra, about 1.5 inches to the side.
2. Method of application:
The patient should be in a prone position, and the Kidney Shu point is located below the spinous process of the second lumbar vertebra, about 1.5 inches to the side of the Governing Vessel.
3. Efficacy:
Dispels heat from the kidneys. The Kidney Shu point has the functions of nourishing the kidneys, assisting yang, strengthening the lower back, promoting water metabolism, and improving hearing and vision.
Zu San Li Point
1. Location:
Located on the outer side of the lower leg, 3 inches below the Dubi point, one horizontal finger width (middle finger) from the anterior border of the tibia.
2. Method of application:
The patient should sit with knees flexed. The Zu San Li point is located by measuring 4 horizontal finger widths (approximately 3 inches) downwards from the Dubi point, and pressing until a sore and distending sensation is felt.
3. Efficacy:
Dries dampness and generates stomach qi. The Zu San Li point has the functions of nourishing the spleen, drying dampness, calming the mind, strengthening the waist, nourishing yin and kidney, and enhancing yang and waist strength.
Sanyinjiao Point
1. Location:
The Sanyinjiao point is located on the inner side of the lower leg, specifically on the medial side of the leg, 3 inches above the inner ankle bone, behind the medial edge of the tibia.
2. Method of application:
To locate the point, start from the inner ankle and go upward about four finger widths. The Sanyinjiao point is located at the depression on the medial edge of the tibia, just above the ankle bone.
3. Efficacy:
Tonifies the spleen and kidney, regulates the liver and nourishes blood, calms the mind and aids sleep.
Tai Xi Point
1. Location:
The Tai Xi point is located on the inner side of the foot, behind the medial malleolus, in the depression between the medial malleolus and the Achilles tendon. It is the Luo point of the Kidney meridian of the Foot Shaoyin.
2. Method of application:
The patient should sit in an upright position, with the sole of the foot flat or lying supine. The Tai Xi point is located on the inner side of the foot, behind the medial malleolus, in the depression between the medial malleolus and the Achilles tendon (the depression between the back of the medial malleolus and the Achilles tendon).
3. Efficacy:
Clears heat and generates qi. The Tai Xi point has the functions of benefiting the kidneys, clearing heat, calming the mind, strengthening the waist, nourishing yin, and enhancing yang and waist strength.
Cupping Therapy Method for Diabetes
Apply simple fire cupping to the selected points, leave the cups on for 10 minutes, once a day. Alternatively, apply moving cupping along the Shu points on the back, starting from the Lung Shu point to the Kidney Shu point, by first applying lubricant to the skin, and then move the cups until the skin becomes red or sha appears, once every other day.
Common Symptoms of Diabetes
Typical symptoms of diabetes include frequent urination, increased thirst, and increased appetite.
1. Diabetic patients experience frequent urination, with some urinating more than 20 times in a day and night, often waking up multiple times at night to urinate, which affects sleep. Not only is the frequency of urination increased, but the volume is also larger, with a total daily urine output often exceeding 2 liters and occasionally reaching over 10 liters. After excessive urination, they experience increased thirst and drink more water, with both the frequency and amount of drinking water greatly increased.
2. Diabetic patients have a good appetite and increased hunger, often feeling hungry. They eat 5 to 6 times a day, with the main course often exceeding 0.5 to 1 kilogram, and vegetables are eaten more than twice as much as normal people. However, they still do not feel satisfied. Other symptoms include fatigue, weight loss, weakness, haggard appearance, decreased energy, itchy skin, limb soreness, numbness, back pain, decreased sexual desire, impotence, infertility, menstrual disorders, constipation, and visual impairment.
3. Diabetic patients may experience chronic or refractory diarrhea, with 2 to 3 or 5 to 6 bowel movements per day, which are often loose. Other symptoms include orthostatic hypotension, profuse sweating, and urinary and fecal incontinence.
4. In the late stage of diabetes, serious complications may occur, such as diabetic ketoacidosis, coma, infections, cardiovascular disease, kidney disease, neuropathy, and eye diseases.
Lifestyle Care for Diabetes
1. Maintain a balance between work and rest for a long time and avoid excessive emotional stress.
2. Avoid spicy and hot foods, including hot-natured tonics such as red ginseng, deer antler, aconite, cinnamon, pepper, ginger, longan, venison, and dog meat. Choose low-sugar, high-protein, low-fat, and high-fiber foods. Control the intake of staple foods (such as rice, noodles, grains, and sugar). Non-sugary foods such as soy products and vegetables can be consumed more or adopt the method of eating small meals multiple times a day to address hunger.
3. Avoid tooth extraction and skin injuries as much as possible.
4. Reduce sexual activity.
5. Do not excessively restrict food intake to avoid hypoglycemia symptoms.
6. To prevent foot problems, trim toenails and wear properly fitting shoes. Seek treatment for calluses or ingrown toenails and other foot problems.
7. Use medication with caution and preferably under the guidance of a doctor.
